Divisions

Ms. Lisa Madray-Valadere – Director (Ag.)

 The Research, Planning and Technical Services Division supports the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training in the development, coordination and oversight of policies, programmes, and agencies across the tertiary education and technical and vocational education and training sectors.

The Division undertakes research, analysis and sectoral planning to inform evidence-based decision-making and national policy development. It also plays a key role in monitoring the governance and performance of agencies under the Ministry’s purview, including oversight of strategic plans, budgets, financial statements and compliance with the State Enterprises Performance Monitoring Manual.

In addition, the Division provides technical advice to the Minister, Permanent Secretary and senior management, prepares Cabinet and Ministerial submissions, and represents the Ministry on inter-ministerial, regional and international committees. Through these functions, the Division contributes to improved accountability, stronger institutional performance and the sustainable development of the tertiary education and skills training sector.

Highlights and Recent Initiatives

The Research, Planning and Technical Services Division undertakes the following ongoing activities in support of effective governance, policy development and strategic planning within the tertiary education and skills training sector:

  • Monitoring governance, financial performance and compliance of agencies and institutions under the Ministry’s purview in accordance with the State Enterprises Performance Monitoring Manual;
  • Ensuring agencies and institutions under the Ministry’s purview are duly constituted, including oversight of board appointment and governance processes;
  • Providing technical advice and support to the Minister, Permanent Secretary and senior management on institutional, policy and sector-related matters;
  • Conducting research, analysis and sectoral studies on the tertiary education and technical and vocational education and training sectors to inform evidence-based decision-making;
  • Supporting the implementation and monitoring of national and sectoral plans for tertiary education and TVET;
  • Reviewing and approving institutional submissions, including strategic plans, administrative reports, audited financial statements and performance reports;
  • Compiling, analysing and maintaining statistical and economic data to support sector monitoring, reporting and planning;
  • Preparing responses to Parliamentary questions and supporting appearances before Parliamentary Committees;
  • Preparing Cabinet Notes, Ministerial Notes, Information Notes, briefs, reports and formal correspondence in support of policy development and accountability requirements; and
  • Representing the Ministry on inter-ministerial, regional and international committees.

 In accordance with Gazette No. 81 of 2025, the Ministry exercises oversight of nine key institutions, as follows:

  • Tertiary Institutions:
    • University of the West Indies (UWI);
    • University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT); and
    • College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT).
  • TVET Institutions:
    • MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT);
    • National Energy Skills Centre – Technical Institute (NESC-TI); and
    • Youth Training and Employment Partnership Programme (YTEPP).
  • Regulatory Bodies:
    • Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT); and
    • National Training Agency (NTA).
  • Other:
    • National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST).

The RPTS Division provides structured oversight and reporting in respect of these institutions, ensuring that they operate in alignment with established performance standards, governance expectations and national development priorities, while also addressing a wide range of institutional matters including legal, human resource, financial and administrative issues and providing guidance and, where necessary, recommending corrective measures.

 Contact Information

 Address: Research, Planning and Technical Services Division, Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, Level 12, Education Towers, No. 5 St. Vincent Street, Port of Spain, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Telephone: (868) 622-2181 Extensions: 2208, 2209, 2210, 2214, 2215 and 2216

Email: rpts@moe.gov.tt

 Ms. Joann David – Director

The main objective of the Programme is to provide individuals aged sixteen to thirty (16 – 35) with job skills and work-based training opportunities to gain practical experience within Public and Private sector organizations within Trinidad and Tobago that would offer them a foothold in the employment market.

Key objectives of the Programme are as follows:

  • match academic and vocational skills of prospective Trainees with labour market needs;
  • forge strategic alliances with private and public sector employers in the creation of job opportunities and the development of the nation’s human resource capacity;
  • assist Trainees in developing the professional and interpersonal skills necessary for success in the workplace; and
  • encourage young persons to develop specific strategies and positive work attitudes in order to enhance their chances of successfully sustaining employment & self-employment opportunities.

 The target group were graduates from:

  • Secondary and Tertiary Institutions
  • Technical Vocational Education and Training and Training (TVET) institutes; and
  • Skills Training Programs administered by Government Ministries and Agencies

As the aim of the programme remains the provision of post-secondary and tertiary graduates with job skills and work- based training opportunities which would offer them a foothold in the employment market, Trainees can be placed for up to Two (2) years.

Mr. Sheldon Henry – Project Manager

The PPMU is responsible for assisting the Tertiary Education Institutions under the Ministry with capital programmes and projects to achieve effective and efficient project development, implementation and project management. The Unit monitors the performance and execution of programmes and projects under its control to ensure adherence to Government policies and regulations and facilitates funding for project activities.

The projects being implemented under the PSIP aim to ensure that Tertiary Education Institutions have the necessary infrastructure and programmes available to facilitate increased participation in, and access to relevant tertiary education, and technical/ vocational skills training in Trinidad and Tobago. The PPMU is responsible for:

  • Advising on matters related to programmes and projects under the Ministry’s Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP).
  • Liaising with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development to secure project funding.
  • Ensuring that public sector procedures, processes and guidelines are always adhered to in the execution of programmes/ and projects.
  • Providing support to all portfolio agencies in respect of project development, implementation and management thereby ensuring transparency, accountability and value for money in the procurement of works, goods and services.
  • Preparation of the Annual Development Programme Budget Estimates.
  • Monitoring of all programmes and projects under the PSIP on a monthly basis.
  • Liaising with external agencies and other stakeholders of matters relating to PSIP.
  • Preparing reports on programmes and projects as required by the Minister, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development.
  • Preparing expenditure forecast for the Ministry of Finance.
  • Reviewing and finalizing project proposals for inclusion in the Ministry’s PSIP Draft Estimates.
  • Facilitating payments to contractors, consultants and suppliers for projects implemented by the Tertiary Education Institutions.
  • Conducting site visits, site meetings and project meetings as required.
  • Overseeing the approval process of any changes in design scope or cost in accordance with the procedures, processes and policies of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and the Financial Regulations.
  • Representing the Ministry in matters relating to the Ministry’s PSIP.
  • Ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements for the execution of projects.
 Mr. Jansen Humphrey  – Chief Examiner (Ag.)

The National Examinations Council (NEC), established in 1965, is Trinidad and Tobago’s national examining and certification body for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) at the sub-professional level. NEC develops, administers, and awards nationally recognised qualifications that support skilled employment, workforce development, and progression within technical occupations.

NEC currently certifies programmes at three occupational levels delivered across post-secondary and approved training institutions. Level I (Pre-Craft) prepares Trade Operatives who can perform defined occupational tasks under supervision. Level II (Craft) certifies Autonomous Tradespersons who are competent to carry out trade work independently and in accordance with industry and regulatory standards. Level III (Technician) prepares Supervisory Technical Practitioners who exercise technical authority, interpret standards, and oversee the work of others.

NEC qualifications are designed around highly applied, hands-on training supported by essential technical, scientific, and mathematical knowledge. This integrated approach ensures that graduates can perform safely, efficiently, and to required occupational standards in real work environments.

NEC TVET qualifications are recognised by industry, the public service, and the education system, including for employment in technical government posts and for teaching in secondary schools.

TOP ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Provide TVET assessments and certification in a range of Technical Vocational areas and approved technical Institutions including the following centres MIC-Institute of Technology, SERVOL and YTEPP.
  • Only TVET awarding body certifying students at Technician Level in General Draughtsmanship.
  • Provides Typing and Shorthand assessments occasionally for the public.
  • NEC technical and vocational qualifications were accepted by the Ministry of Education as valid entry credentials for the appointment of TVET teachers on contract, and are currently being used by the Ministry as recognised qualifications for applications submitted under its ongoing recruitment of TVET teachers.

Services (optional)

The National Examinations Council is responsible for, among other things, the following:

  •  The processing of candidate entries which are received in January of each year. This includes the allocation and issuing of candidate examination numbers; the preparation of files for every subject of every course for each group of candidates of all relevant institutions and the researching of the status of all repeat candidates for entry into said files.
  • The production and distribution of course time-tables, daily timetables and marking schedules for examinations.
  • The reproduction, packaging and distribution of the examination question papers for all subjects for all centres.
  • The conduct of the examination at approximately 30 centres in Trinidad and Tobago.
  • Overseeing the receipt of all candidate scripts and related documents; the issuing of these to marking centres; the conduct of marking exercises; the receipt of marked scripts and results from moderators and the documentation involved at all stages of these processes.
  • The processing, including the collating of previous year’s performance of repeat candidates, and publication of results for all courses within the maximum acceptable time period of two months.
  • The processing of requests for review of results.
  • The preparation and issuance on request of statements and transcripts in respect to examination results since the inception of NEC.
  • The grading of results and the processing, documentation and issuing of diplomas and certificates to all successful candidates in the examinations.
  • The analysis of examinations and moderators’ reports, examination centre reports and spot checkers reports and the determination and initiation of appropriate action.
  • The processing of claims for all functionaries. The preparation of statistical reports on examination performance according to courses, institutions and categories of candidates.

Contact Information

Address: National Examinations Council, Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training

Level 11, Building A, Education Towers, #5 St. Vincent Street, Port of Spain.

Telephone: 1(868) 622-2181 (Ext. 2005 – 2013)

E-mail: nationalexaminationcouncil@moe.gov.tt

 Mr. Urban Huggins – Director

The FGAD has the responsibility for all student funding mechanisms in the tertiary sector. The two (2) key Programmes that are administered by the FGAD are the Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (GATE) Programme and the Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP).

About GATE
The GATE Programme provides financial assistance towards tuition fees to citizens of Trinidad and Tobago who are pursuing approved programmes of study at accredited and approved public and private tertiary level institutions (local and regional).

To qualify for GATE:

  • a student must be a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago with a continued period of residency of at least three (3) years prior to application,
  • under the age of fifty (50)
  • maintain the minimum academic performance set by the institution.
  • be in compliance with the Students’ Terms and Conditions for Tertiary Tuition Funded by the GATE.

Quantum of Funding

Means test will be used to determine the level of Funding for each student.

Further details on the GATE Programme can be obtained on the GATE eService website www.e-gate.gov.tt 

About HELP

The Higher Education Loan Programme is a low-interest loan facility designed to provide financial assistance to citizens of Trinidad and Tobago who maintain continuous residency for a minimum of three (3) years prior to application. The programme is administered by the Funding and Grants Administration Division (FGAD) of the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training.

To qualify for HELP a student must:

  • be from ages (18) – (50) years old
  • enroll in an ACTT-approved tertiary institution and programme
  • enroll in TVET programmes Level III or above
  • pursue postgraduate studies that align with the strategic development of Trinidad and Tobago
  • have household income less than $75,000 monthly
  • not eligible for GATE e.g. may already possess a Bachelor’s degree

Quantum of Funding

A Credit Committee will determine the quantum of funding for which a student may qualify.

What will it cover?

HELP covers part or all of the following, tuition fees, accommodation, airfare, transportation, and other related tertiary expenses. Loan limits not to exceed $35,000 for local institutions and $75,000 for regional institutions per year.

Applications are submitted through commercial banks and assessed by FGAD. Full details on the HELP loan can obtained via HELP brochure.

  • Top achievements/initiatives (April 2025-Present)
  • The FGAD received approval for three new programmes to be funded under the GATE Programme.

University of the West Indies, St. Augustine

  • Bachelors of Science in Sports Kinetics
  • Bachelors of Science in Sports Coaching

School of Business & Applied Studies Ltd (ROYTEC)

  • Bachelors of Education (B.Ed) for the Primary School Teachers
  • We are in the early stages of the development of a new GATE eService portal application system
  • Attended orientations at University of the West Indies, St. Augustine and University of the West Indies, School of Business & Applied Studies Ltd (ROYTEC)

Contact Information

Address: The Funding and Grants Administration Division (FGAD), Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, #16 Warner Street, St. Augustine

GATE  Telephone: 800-GATE or 663-0244  Email: General GATE queries – gate.info@moe.gov.tt

Means Test queries – membersofmtu@moe.gov.tt

HELP Telephone: 663-0244 ext. (531) 2044 or 2062 Email: General HELP queries –helploans@moe.gov.tt

Ms. Melissa Fernandez – Director (Ag.)

The Scholarships and Advanced Training Division (SATD) is mandated to support the Human Resource Development Needs of the country through the management of scholarships, bursaries and other technical awards offered by and through the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT).  The scholarship programmes are targeted to nationals of Trinidad and Tobago who meet the criteria for each scholarship programme (CAPE, National Bursary, Cuba, Development Needs, Disability etc.).

Mission: To develop the national human resource capital at the tertiary and professional levels by managing scholarships and other training Awards.

Vision: SATD contributes to the development and advancement of our Human Resource Capital.

Values

  • Achievement
  • Integrity
  • Commitment
  • Caring

The SATD ensures that all scholarship programmes are filling existing and long-term human resource needs to decrease or eliminate the national skills gap, while managing of the scholarship processes.

The SATD provides support services to scholars throughout their course of study, including the payment of allowances, tuition, compulsory fees, and the processing of related requests. The Division also collaborates with stakeholders and key agencies to ensure that returning scholars are strategically placed to address identified national human resource gaps. In addition, SATD monitors the job placement of returning scholars and bursary recipients who have completed their studies and are employed in both the public and private sectors, ensuring the fulfilment of their contractual service obligations.

Further information can accessed via our website https://www.scholarships.moe.gov.tt/.

 

Ms. Susan Goddard – Director (Ag.) 

The HRMD is responsible for the management of the administrative process for Establishment Officers and Contract Officers of the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training (MTEST)

The Division comprises the following Units/Sections:

  • Director’s Secretariat

The Human Resource Division is responsible for the following listed below:

  •  Filling of established Administrative, Technical, Clerical, and Manipulative vacancies
  •  Preparing Draft Cabinet Minutes for the creation of contracts and established positions
  •  Preparing Notes to Permanent Secretary for the short-term engagement of persons
  •  Recruitment of contract staff (Advertisement, shortlisting, interviews)
  • Preparing Delegated Authority for approval
  • Process Payment of Salaries.
  • Preparation of Performance Appraisal Reports and Payment of Increment ·
  • Arranging Medical appointments and Medical Board Examinations.
  •  Processing of all leave, e.g., maternity leave, bereavement leave, no pay study leave, no pay leave, extended sick leave, injury leave, etc
  • Preparing recommendations for continued temporary appointment/permanent appointment/confirmation of appointment/acting appointment and public officers.
  •  Reviewing files and responding to complaints received from the Office of the Ombudsman.
  •  Providing technical and professional support, guidance/advice to Heads of Department and staff in areas of Industrial Relations and Employee Relations practices and procedures:
  •  Advise line managers and supervisors on the interpretation and application of Internal Relations/External Relations management policies, procedures, regulations etc with respect, Civil Service and Daily Rated employees

Processing the applications for:

  •  Retirements
  •  Resignations
  •  Death Benefits
  • M&M
Ms. Patrina Mahabir – Manager, Communications

The Communications Unit is responsible for promoting awareness, understanding and effective engagement between the Ministry and its internal and external stakeholders through the development and implementation of strategic communications initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Developing and implementing communication strategies to support the Ministry’s objectives and initiatives;
  • Managing internal and external communications to promote awareness and understanding of the Ministry’s programmes, policies and activities;
  • Coordinating public information and stakeholder engagement initiatives;
  • Supporting the dissemination of official information through appropriate communication channels;
  • Assisting with media relations and public communications activities;
  • Preparing and coordinating communication materials, notices and public awareness content;
  • Promoting effective communication and collaboration among Ministry staff and stakeholders; and
  • Supporting the Ministry in maintaining clear, timely and effective public engagement and information sharing practices.

Contact Information

Address: Communications Unit, Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, Level 15 Education Tower A, No. 5 St. Vincent Street, Port of Spain, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Telephone: (868) 622-2181 Extensions: 2409 and 2437

Email: mtest.communications@gov.tt